South All-Stars Top North 5-2 in Shore Conference Softball Senior All-Star Game

JACKSON — It was a packed house at Adventure Crossing in Jackson for the ninth annual Shore Conference Softball Senior All-Star Game, hosted by the Shore Conference Softball Coaches Association. The South All-Stars, bolstered by the addition of two St. John Vianney standouts, jumped out to an early lead and held on for a 5-2 victory over the North All-Stars.

The large crowd was treated to a little bit of everything as the seniors took the field in their school uniforms one final time. The players showcased why Shore Conference softball is regarded as one of the most competitive brands of softball in the state.

“It’s awesome to see a big crowd like this,” Marlboro head coach Nick Scalzo said. “One thing we try to do is promote this sport. Softball is taking off, I think, in all different parts of the world. Shore Conference softball, let me tell you, I have been around a long time, and it’s the best of the best. Three champions here today from the Shore Conference, and I don’t know if any other conference has that. These people come out and support it, and it is nice to see.”

While there was certainly a game to be played, the event also highlighted the close-knit nature of the softball community. Many of the players have spent years competing alongside or against one another through travel ball, creating friendships that extend beyond school rivalries. Just days removed from the intensity of the state finals, the atmosphere was noticeably different, filled with smiles, laughter, and camaraderie.

“As soon as the kids were walking up, I loved that they were recognizing each other from other schools,” Jackson head coach Laura Borrelli said. “They were reconnecting with players they played with in travel, or they were getting to make that new bond with somebody even though they thought they were done. I think it is awesome seeing everybody come together and have a positive experience.”

The Shore Conference’s three sectional champions were all represented, with players from St. John Vianney, Marlboro, and Barnegat taking part in the showcase. The Lancers wasted no time making their presence felt. Shortstop Gabby Gonzalez recorded the game’s first hit and later scored to give the South a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

St. John Vianney teammate Madison McDougall followed with a walk, and her pinch runner eventually scored on an RBI single by Toms River North’s Dalylia Lyon to make it 2-0. McDougall entered the game after one of the most dominant offensive seasons in Shore Conference history, batting .626 with 17 home runs and 72 RBIs while leading the conference in several offensive categories.

McDougall also got the start in the circle for the South and was dominant. She held the North scoreless over four innings, striking out seven batters, including the side in the bottom of the fourth inning. Her performance earned her South Team Most Valuable Player honors.

The North finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning while trailing 3-0. Manasquan’s Delia Gilmore nearly cut the deficit in half with one swing, drilling a double to left-center field that struck the top of the fence and narrowly missed being a home run. Gilmore advanced to third on a single by Emily Gaudio and later scored on an infield error.

“Everybody was telling me to just wait,” Gilmore said. “I took the first pitch, and I said I was just going to swing as hard as I could at the next one. I hit it well and almost got it.”

Gilmore’s impact was felt on both sides of the ball. Earlier in the game, she made one of the evening’s top defensive plays with a diving catch in foul territory. Combined with her offensive performance, it was enough to earn her North Team Most Valuable Player honors.

“It is so cool [to be named MVP] with all the girls that were on my team,” Gilmore said. “Just knowing I played well enough to win this award, I feel very honored and humbled because everyone here is the best of the best in the Shore Conference.”

The South answered immediately in the top of the seventh inning, scoring two insurance runs. Central center fielder Leah Bollettino led off the inning with a single and later scored on a triple by Barnegat center fielder Brianna Dato. Dato then crossed the plate on a groundout by Toms River South’s Addison Tuper, extending the lead to 5-2.

Gilmore credited the atmosphere and talent level on display for making the event special.

“It is amazing to be here, and it was so much fun tonight,” Gilmore said. “Rivals and friends, it is great having everyone coming together. It is a cool atmosphere tonight. The softball in this area is ridiculously good. We have schools like Donovan and SJV, and it is intimidating knowing that I am coming to play with girls like that. We have some tremendous athletes in the Shore Conference, especially in softball.”

The success of the event is the result of contributions from many people throughout the Shore Conference softball community. Coaches help organize the game and select the rosters, umpires volunteer their time, and facilities such as Adventure Crossing provide a first-class venue for the players and fans.

Adventure Crossing has long been a supporter of local high school softball, serving as a host site when weather impacts schedules and for major events such as the Ocean County Tournament and the CVC vs. Shore Conference showcase earlier this year.

“A huge nod has to go to Allan Proske for allowing us to use this amazing facility,” Borrelli said. “It is the perfect venue to bring so many people out and be able to partake and have a good night together. There are so many good travel teams in the area, and they play at this specific site throughout the season.”